Prerequisite Knowledge: Teachers need to be familiar with what blogs and wikis are and should explore some blogs and wikis before the workshop. Before the workshop begins, the presenters will send out links to some examples of blogs and wikis related to science for teachers to review. For more links visit the support page here.
Introduction video
Content Summary:
The overall goal of this workshop will be to give teachers background knowledge of how and when to use blogs and wikis in the classroom. Participants will be middle school science teachers who will be asked to participate in the hands-on development of several blogs and wikis. As a result of this workshop, the teachers will have participated in creating a wiki that will serve as a resource and reference for other teachers in the county and will walk away with lessons and activities they can implement directly in their classrooms.
Objectives:
The science teachers will recognize the potential for using blogs and wikis in the science classroom and will be able to distinguish situations when the use of these tools are appropriate.
The science teachers will be able to create a blog and a wiki specific to a unit their students will be studying in the upcoming semester.
The science teachers will contribute to the workshops wiki page by posting links to their own websites and contributing to the discussion page.
The science teachers will show their knowledge by presenting the projects they created and critiquing each other’s projects.
Lesson Plan:
The class will begin with the presenter sharing the wiki created for this workshop. All the participants will be sent the link and given access to the wiki, so they can follow along throughout the workshop. The wiki will contain both a screen cast of how the teachers can set up their own accounts and links to some good examples [see screen cast here].
The presenter will give a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining some of the benefits and research that supports using blogs and wikis in the classroom and discuss which would be the most appropriate for different situations. The presenter will have the group pick a specific subject to focus on, such as the body, and will work with the class to show them how they can create a blog for students. The presenter will have the teachers brainstorm information that would be beneficial for sharing with students in a blog format. Then have the teachers actually help in creating the sample blog with a specific topic in mind. In this case it could be the human body. After the class seems comfortable, the presenter will divide the teachers into smaller groups of no more than 5 based on their grade levels. Click here to see the link to the sample blog
The teachers will work with content groups to brainstorm ideas for a blog based on a specific unit in their curriculum. If there are multiple groups for a grade each group will be asked to focus on a different unit so that by the time the groups are done they will have multiple resources. The groups will have a worksheet with some discussion questions and ideas to think about to get them started. The groups will then share their ideas with the class; discussion, questions and comments will be encouraged from participants. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work in small groups, pairs or individually based on their comfort level to create a blog that they could use with their students. The presenter will circulate, offer suggestions and help where needed. The participants will post their links to the class wiki at the end of the session. See link for discussion worksheet
The second half of the class will focus more on wikis and how they can be used in the science classroom; in particular, using wikis for classroom projects. Again, the presenter will start the class together creating an example wiki together. Participants will work in their small groups to discuss ways to use wikis related to science projects for their students. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work either in pairs or individually to create a class wiki. Participants will be asked to have at least 5 pages, suggestions and advice will be given during this creative process. The teachers will be asked to share and give each other feedback on the wikis they created. They will also be asked to post the wikis they created on the "teacher created sites page"
Evaluation: The presenter will conduct formative and summative assessment throughout the workshop. They will ask questions and check for understanding throughout the activities asking for comments and concerns before moving to new activities. Participants will also be asked to present their small group examples as well as share links to any personal sites they created on the group wiki. The workshop participants will be given an evaluation sheet to complete at the end of each day. In addition, they will be asked to fill out an online survey at the conclusion of the five-day workshop rating the workshop as a whole.
Participant evaluation form for day 1: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oiQI2IJqgZBnUa8-ofh9rXlW8MhaCZL16eEUGM6YBtk/viewform Prerequisite Knowledge: Teachers need to be familiar with what blogs and wikis are and should explore some blogs and wikis before the workshop. Before the workshop begins, the presenters will send out links to some examples of blogs and wikis related to science for teachers to review. Content Summary: The overall goal of this workshop will be to give teachers background knowledge of how and when to use blogs and wikis in the classroom. Participants will be middle school science teachers who will be asked to participate in the hands-on development of several blogs and wikis. As a result of this workshop, the teachers will have participated in creating a wiki that will serve as a resource and reference for other teachers in the county and will walk away with lessons and activities they can implement directly in their classrooms. Objectives:
The science teachers will recognize the potential for using blogs and wikis in the science classroom and will be able to distinguish situations when the use of these tools are appropriate.
The science teachers will be able to create a blog and a wiki specific to a unit their students will be studying in the upcoming semester.
The science teachers will contribute to the workshops wiki page by posting links to their own websites and contributing to the discussion page.
The science teachers will show their knowledge by presenting the projects they created and critiquing each other’s projects.
Plan outline: The class will begin with the presenter sharing the wiki created for this workshop. All the participants will be sent the link and given access to the wiki, so they can follow along throughout the workshop. The wiki will contain both a screen cast of how the teachers can set up their own accounts and links to some good examples [see screen cast here]. The presenter will give a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining some of the benefits and research that supports using blogs and wikis in the classroom and discuss which would be the most appropriate for different situations. The presenter will have the group pick a specific subject to focus on, such as the body, and will work with the class to show them how they can create a blog for students. The presenter will have the teachers brainstorm information that would be beneficial for sharing with students in a blog format. Then have the teachers actually help in creating the sample blog with a specific topic in mind. In this case it could be the human body. After the class seems comfortable, the presenter will divide the teachers into smaller groups of no more than 5 based on their grade levels. The teachers will work with content groups to brainstorm ideas for a blog based on a specific unit in their curriculum. If there are multiple groups for a grade each group will be asked to focus on a different unit so that by the time the groups are done they will have multiple resources. The groups will have a worksheet with some discussion questions and ideas to think about to get them started. The groups will then share their ideas with the class; discussion, questions and comments will be encouraged from participants. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work in small groups, pairs or individually based on their comfort level to create a blog that they could use with their students. The presenter will circulate, offer suggestions and help where needed. The participants will post their links to the class wiki at the end of the session. The afternoon will focus more on wikis and how they can be used in the science classroom; in particular, using wikis for classroom projects. Again, the presenter will start the class together creating an example wiki together. Participants will work in their small groups to discuss ways to use wikis related to science projects for their students. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work either in pairs or individually to create a class wiki. Participants will be asked to have at least 5 pages, suggestions and advice will be given during this creative process. The teachers will be asked to share and give each other feedback on the wikis they created. Additional materials needed: The presenter will need to have a basic wiki and blog already created containing the wiki and blog screen casts and a list of examples. Teachers will need to bring their own laptops to class so that they can participate fully, a few additional laptops should be on hand in case someone forgets to bring their laptop. The presenter should have access to a projector and document camera so that all the participants can see what is being explained. Additionally, the presenter will need to have prepared supplemental worksheets for the discussion groups, materials for them to present and share [white boards, chart paper, etc]. An evaluation form and additional support staff would be helpful in assisting with the more individual portions of the workshop. Evaluation: The presenter will conduct formative and summative assessment throughout the workshop. They will ask questions and check for understanding throughout the activities asking for comments and concerns before moving to new activities. Participants will also be asked to present their small group examples as well as share links to any personal sites they created on the group wiki. The workshop participants will be given an evaluation sheet to complete at the end of each day. In addition, they will be asked to fill out an online survey at the conclusion of the five-day workshop rating the workshop as a whole.
Day One: Blogs and Wikis
Prerequisite Knowledge: Teachers need to be familiar with what blogs and wikis are and should explore some blogs and wikis before the workshop. Before the workshop begins, the presenters will send out links to some examples of blogs and wikis related to science for teachers to review. For more links visit the support page here.
Introduction video
Content Summary:
The overall goal of this workshop will be to give teachers background knowledge of how and when to use blogs and wikis in the classroom. Participants will be middle school science teachers who will be asked to participate in the hands-on development of several blogs and wikis. As a result of this workshop, the teachers will have participated in creating a wiki that will serve as a resource and reference for other teachers in the county and will walk away with lessons and activities they can implement directly in their classrooms.Objectives:
Lesson Plan:
The class will begin with the presenter sharing the wiki created for this workshop. All the participants will be sent the link and given access to the wiki, so they can follow along throughout the workshop. The wiki will contain both a screen cast of how the teachers can set up their own accounts and links to some good examples [see screen cast here].The presenter will give a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining some of the benefits and research that supports using blogs and wikis in the classroom and discuss which would be the most appropriate for different situations. The presenter will have the group pick a specific subject to focus on, such as the body, and will work with the class to show them how they can create a blog for students. The presenter will have the teachers brainstorm information that would be beneficial for sharing with students in a blog format. Then have the teachers actually help in creating the sample blog with a specific topic in mind. In this case it could be the human body. After the class seems comfortable, the presenter will divide the teachers into smaller groups of no more than 5 based on their grade levels. Click here to see the link to the sample blog
The teachers will work with content groups to brainstorm ideas for a blog based on a specific unit in their curriculum. If there are multiple groups for a grade each group will be asked to focus on a different unit so that by the time the groups are done they will have multiple resources. The groups will have a worksheet with some discussion questions and ideas to think about to get them started. The groups will then share their ideas with the class; discussion, questions and comments will be encouraged from participants. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work in small groups, pairs or individually based on their comfort level to create a blog that they could use with their students. The presenter will circulate, offer suggestions and help where needed. The participants will post their links to the class wiki at the end of the session. See link for discussion worksheet
The second half of the class will focus more on wikis and how they can be used in the science classroom; in particular, using wikis for classroom projects. Again, the presenter will start the class together creating an example wiki together. Participants will work in their small groups to discuss ways to use wikis related to science projects for their students. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work either in pairs or individually to create a class wiki. Participants will be asked to have at least 5 pages, suggestions and advice will be given during this creative process. The teachers will be asked to share and give each other feedback on the wikis they created. They will also be asked to post the wikis they created on the "teacher created sites page"
Evaluation: The presenter will conduct formative and summative assessment throughout the workshop. They will ask questions and check for understanding throughout the activities asking for comments and concerns before moving to new activities. Participants will also be asked to present their small group examples as well as share links to any personal sites they created on the group wiki. The workshop participants will be given an evaluation sheet to complete at the end of each day. In addition, they will be asked to fill out an online survey at the conclusion of the five-day workshop rating the workshop as a whole.
Participant evaluation form for day 1:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oiQI2IJqgZBnUa8-ofh9rXlW8MhaCZL16eEUGM6YBtk/viewform
Prerequisite Knowledge: Teachers need to be familiar with what blogs and wikis are and should explore some blogs and wikis before the workshop. Before the workshop begins, the presenters will send out links to some examples of blogs and wikis related to science for teachers to review.
Content Summary: The overall goal of this workshop will be to give teachers background knowledge of how and when to use blogs and wikis in the classroom. Participants will be middle school science teachers who will be asked to participate in the hands-on development of several blogs and wikis. As a result of this workshop, the teachers will have participated in creating a wiki that will serve as a resource and reference for other teachers in the county and will walk away with lessons and activities they can implement directly in their classrooms.
Objectives:
- The science teachers will recognize the potential for using blogs and wikis in the science classroom and will be able to distinguish situations when the use of these tools are appropriate.
- The science teachers will be able to create a blog and a wiki specific to a unit their students will be studying in the upcoming semester.
- The science teachers will contribute to the workshops wiki page by posting links to their own websites and contributing to the discussion page.
- The science teachers will show their knowledge by presenting the projects they created and critiquing each other’s projects.
Plan outline: The class will begin with the presenter sharing the wiki created for this workshop. All the participants will be sent the link and given access to the wiki, so they can follow along throughout the workshop. The wiki will contain both a screen cast of how the teachers can set up their own accounts and links to some good examples [see screen cast here]. The presenter will give a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining some of the benefits and research that supports using blogs and wikis in the classroom and discuss which would be the most appropriate for different situations. The presenter will have the group pick a specific subject to focus on, such as the body, and will work with the class to show them how they can create a blog for students. The presenter will have the teachers brainstorm information that would be beneficial for sharing with students in a blog format. Then have the teachers actually help in creating the sample blog with a specific topic in mind. In this case it could be the human body. After the class seems comfortable, the presenter will divide the teachers into smaller groups of no more than 5 based on their grade levels.The teachers will work with content groups to brainstorm ideas for a blog based on a specific unit in their curriculum. If there are multiple groups for a grade each group will be asked to focus on a different unit so that by the time the groups are done they will have multiple resources. The groups will have a worksheet with some discussion questions and ideas to think about to get them started. The groups will then share their ideas with the class; discussion, questions and comments will be encouraged from participants. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work in small groups, pairs or individually based on their comfort level to create a blog that they could use with their students. The presenter will circulate, offer suggestions and help where needed. The participants will post their links to the class wiki at the end of the session.
The afternoon will focus more on wikis and how they can be used in the science classroom; in particular, using wikis for classroom projects. Again, the presenter will start the class together creating an example wiki together. Participants will work in their small groups to discuss ways to use wikis related to science projects for their students. Finally, the teachers will be allowed to work either in pairs or individually to create a class wiki. Participants will be asked to have at least 5 pages, suggestions and advice will be given during this creative process. The teachers will be asked to share and give each other feedback on the wikis they created.
Additional materials needed: The presenter will need to have a basic wiki and blog already created containing the wiki and blog screen casts and a list of examples. Teachers will need to bring their own laptops to class so that they can participate fully, a few additional laptops should be on hand in case someone forgets to bring their laptop. The presenter should have access to a projector and document camera so that all the participants can see what is being explained. Additionally, the presenter will need to have prepared supplemental worksheets for the discussion groups, materials for them to present and share [white boards, chart paper, etc]. An evaluation form and additional support staff would be helpful in assisting with the more individual portions of the workshop.
Evaluation: The presenter will conduct formative and summative assessment throughout the workshop. They will ask questions and check for understanding throughout the activities asking for comments and concerns before moving to new activities. Participants will also be asked to present their small group examples as well as share links to any personal sites they created on the group wiki. The workshop participants will be given an evaluation sheet to complete at the end of each day. In addition, they will be asked to fill out an online survey at the conclusion of the five-day workshop rating the workshop as a whole.